Nation stands united against terrorists: president

ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain on Thursday said the government and armed forces are fully determined for the complete elimination of terrorism from the country and the whole nation stands united to support the action against terrorist elements.“Despite enormity of challenges, the nation and armed forces have stood together and made invaluable sacrifices for the country,” the president said in his address to the graduates of the National Security and War Course at the convocation ceremony at the National Defence University (NDU). Chief of the Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafiq Butt and Naval Chief Admiral Asif Sandila attended the ceremony.Military personnel from China, Australia, United Kingdom, Bangladesh, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Jordan, Malaysia, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Sri Lanka, Turkey and Zimbabwe were among the passed-out graduates along with the serving staff of Pakistan’s three services. President Mamnoon said it was the need of the hour for the nation to demonstrate unity within their ranks. He said Pakistan was at a historical juncture, where a democratically elected government was making all out endeavours to trigger the process of reform and recovery, economic revival and internal security stabilization being the key.President Mamnoon Hussain said Pakistan would rise as a powerful nation among the regional countries once it overcomes the challenges of extremism and economic difficulties. “Pakistan Insha’Allah with the resolve of its leadership, correct national priorities and a unified and holistic national agenda will recover the lost ground,” he said. He said the nature had endowed Pakistan with tremendous potential and resilience, adding that all the challenges, no matter how daunting and insurmountable they may appear, could not match the national will and determination.He mentioned the government’s steps particularly construction of Economic Corridor, launch of Euro bonds and initiation of several energy projects which would help boost the national economy. Mamnoon Hussain appreciated the support by friendly countries including China, Saudi Arabia and Turkey in terms of carrying out developing projects in the country. The President congratulated the graduating course members and their families and commended them for their persistent endeavours, resolve and dedication which they displayed throughout their studies.He said NDU enjoys a unique status in the academic arena of the country as its national security and war course draws upon the very best from the armed forces of Pakistan and friendly countries and also from senior civilian officers, besides providing them a platform to explore the issues related to national security. He said NDU’s course was rich in content, curriculum and wholesome in approach in exposing the course members to diverse dimension of security beyond military alone. He expressed confidence that the knowledge and understanding which the graduating members had acquired would go a long way in facilitating them in their assignments.Mamnoon Hussain urged the NDU to continue to prepare the future leadership for skillfully handling existing and emerging challenges. President NDU Lt Gen. Javed Iqbal in his welcome address said the mission of NDU was to prepare a future leadership at planning and decision-making levels. He said the university presents fine blend of military and civilian course members. He said 24 military students from 16 friendly countries completed the course at NDU.